8 Best BSW Programs in Mississippi
BSW programs in Mississippi create a direct path to a rewarding career with strong growth potential. The state employs over 30,000 social workers in all specializations, and hundreds of new positions are projected each year through 2034.
Mississippi’s social work education landscape features 11 CSWE-accredited BSW programs. These programs are available through traditional on-campus formats at respected institutions like Jackson State, Mississippi State, and University of Southern Mississippi. The programs provide intimate learning environments where core courses typically have 15-25 students. Students who graduate become eligible for Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) certification and can pursue professional opportunities throughout the state.
This guide looks at the best BSW options, breaks down each program’s strengths, costs, and field placement opportunities to help you choose the right social work education path in Mississippi.
1. Jackson State University
Jackson State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program sits at the heart of Mississippi’s capital city. This CSWE-accredited program prepares students for professional practice with a strong foundation in social justice and community development within urban settings.
Program overview
Students need 120 credit hours to complete the BSW program at Jackson State University. The program builds competent, tech-savvy entry-level social workers through a mix of classroom learning and practical field experience. This approach helps students work effectively with diverse populations who face various social challenges.
Students must meet these requirements to join the BSW program:
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Complete all developmental courses required by the university
- Complete or be enrolled in ENG 104/105 composition courses
- Attend the BSW program orientation
- Submit a detailed application
The program helps students develop skills in critical thinking, research-informed practice, and ethical decision-making. Students also learn about cultural diversity, social justice principles, and professional values that shape effective social work practice.
Program strengths
The BSW program stands out in several areas that make your education valuable:
- Urban focus – Students learn to improve quality of life in urban settings throughout Mississippi and beyond
- Social justice emphasis – The coursework addresses the impact of injustice and enables at-risk populations
- Diverse learning environment – Students gain deep understanding of diverse life experiences, with special support available to promising candidates
- Professional identity development – Students build a strong professional identity based on social work values and ethics
The program prepares students for entry-level positions, leadership roles, and graduate education. Professional expectations center on core social work values including human dignity, relationship importance, integrity, competence, service, and social justice.
Program tuition and costs
The 2022-2023 academic year tuition rates at Jackson State University were:
- In-state full-time tuition: $8,520 per semester
- Out-of-state full-time tuition: $8,520 plus $1,000 out-of-state fee per semester
- Part-time in-state rate: $355 per credit hour
- Part-time out-of-state rate: $1,355 per credit hour
Students should budget for books and supplies ($1,400), room and board ($11,782 for on-campus housing), and fees totaling $275 for in-state and $1,275 for out-of-state students.
Field placement opportunities
Field education plays a vital role in the BSW program. Senior year students complete an internship that applies theoretical knowledge in ground settings. These experiences help develop essential professional competencies.
Students can complete field placements at:
- Child welfare agencies
- Public health agencies and hospitals
- Nursing homes and hospice agencies
- Schools and community mental health centers
- Government social service agencies
- Court systems and probation offices
- Recovery centers and non-profit organizations
The School of Social Work’s strategic collaborations with professional agencies across Mississippi help students practice the nine social work competencies at all system levels – from individuals to entire communities.
2. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers a strong Bachelor of Social Work program with steadfast dedication to preparing students for generalist social work practice. The program delivers detailed education based on social work knowledge, skills, and values students need for professional success in different settings.
Program overview
The Social Work Program at Mississippi State University holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Students learn generalist social work practice with solid grounding in the profession’s history, purposes, and philosophy. The curriculum blends liberal arts perspectives with specialized social work knowledge to create well-rounded practitioners.
Graduates can pursue advanced social work education or start their careers as generalist social work practitioners in settings of all types. The program builds critical thinking and evidence-based approaches while promoting a deep understanding of human behavior and social environments.
Program strengths
Mississippi State’s BSW program excels through its commitment to:
- Creating a positive educational environment that models social work values, ethics, and ideals while encouraging critical thinking
- Developing a curriculum that adapts to changing political, social, cultural, and economic influences based on current research and evidence-based practice
- Preparing competent entry-level practitioners ready to work with diverse client systems and groups marginalized by social and economic injustice
- Offering select courses via distance learning that helps students who are out of sequence or need scheduling flexibility
Students complete 30 hours of experiential learning through the Introduction to Social Work course. This helps them understand human service organizations and service delivery systems while applying social work principles in ground settings.
Program tuition and costs
Mississippi State University’s costs for 2025-2026 academic year are:
Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
Tuition & Fees | $10,604 | $28,736 |
Housing (median) | $8,456 | $8,456 |
Meal Plan | $5,058 | $5,058 |
Total | $24,118 | $42,250 |
Students from within the state pay substantially less than the national average for in-state tuition of $12,422. Books and supplies cost around $1,200 yearly.
Field placement opportunities
Field education stands as the cornerstone of MSU’s social work education. Social work majors must complete 450 hours in a supervised social service setting during their final semester. This detailed experience combines agency hours with eight full-day on-campus learning seminars, equal to 12 semester hours.
MSU partners with many agencies throughout Mississippi for field practicum sites. These placements happen in settings of all types:
Medical centers, child welfare agencies, mental health facilities, school systems, and advocacy organizations. Students might train at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Youth Courts, National Association of Social Workers – Mississippi Chapter, or University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Students apply classroom theories in ground settings while developing the 31 component behaviors needed for generalist social work practice through field experience.
3. University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi runs one of Mississippi’s oldest CSWE-accredited BSW programs. The program has held continuous accreditation since 1996 (retroactive to 1992). This 31-year-old program helps you become a generalist practitioner who can serve vulnerable populations where resources are scarce.
Program overview
The BSW program at USM needs 124 credit hours. The core social work courses build your knowledge, values, and skills that you need as a professional. The program requirements include:
- A minimum grade of C in ENG 101, ENG 102, PSY 110, and University SI course
- Sophomore standing
- A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Students learn from a liberal arts foundation that teaches them to work with people, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program has a 94.5% retention rate in core curriculum, and graduates must pass the state-mandated licensure exam to practice.
Program strengths
Southern Miss stands out with these unique features:
- Mississippi’s first Child Advocacy Studies minor
- Students work with faculty mentors on research and present at state/regional conferences
- A two-week study abroad program called “History and Social Work in Cuba”
- Students learn to improve life quality for people in areas with limited social welfare resources
On top of that, about 40% of BSW graduates go on to earn master’s degrees. Qualified graduates can join USM’s Advanced Standing MSW program.
Program tuition and costs
Here are the undergraduate costs for 2025-2026:
Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
Tuition & Fees | $10,394 | $12,394 |
Housing & Meals | $11,920 | $11,920 |
Books/Supplies | $852 | $852 |
Total | $27,860 | $29,860 |
Field placement opportunities
Field education is the basis of USM’s BSW experience. Full-time students spend their final semester completing 420 hours at 32 hours per week. Qualified field instructors supervise this hands-on experience.
USM has strategic collaborations with about 150 social service agencies that offer learning sites. Students work in settings of all types:
- Hospitals and mental health centers
- Schools and community agencies
- Child welfare organizations
- Addictions programs
- Youth courts and correctional facilities
Your internship blends classroom knowledge with real-world experience. Weekly field seminars help develop your generalist practice skills further.
4. Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) shapes generalist practitioners through its Bachelor of Social Work program. Students learn to serve vulnerable populations in rural areas. This historically Black university in Itta Bena provides social work education deeply rooted in African American traditions of social justice.
Program overview
MVSU’s Department of Social Work prepares students to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in entry-level positions. Students focus on helping impoverished minorities living in rural regions, particularly the Mississippi Delta where the university stands.
BSW program admission requirements include:
- Mississippi Valley State University acceptance
- Social work major declaration
- 54 semester hours in general core curriculum
- SW 210: Introduction to Social Work course
- Application with reference letters and personal statement
- Faculty admission interview
The program has foundational courses in interviewing techniques, social welfare policies, diversity issues, human behavior, statistics, research methods, and field practicum.
Program strengths
MVSU’s BSW program stands out with several key advantages:
- Rural practice focus – Students learn specialized skills to work in resource-limited rural settings
- Person-in-environment point of view – The curriculum blends values, knowledge, and skills
- Change-making focus – Students learn to promote social and economic changes in the Delta region
- Cultural competence – Deep understanding of cultural diversity and addressing racial and economic disparities
Small class sizes allow personal attention and mentorship. Students build strong relationships with faculty and local communities.
Tuition and costs
MVSU provides affordable education through their “One Fee at the V” policy that eliminates non-resident fees for 2025-2026:
Expense Category | Cost |
Tuition and Fees | $7,474 |
Room and Board | $9,342 |
Books and Supplies | $2,400 |
Personal Expenses | $1,195 |
Transportation | $1,185 |
Total | $21,596 |
Program field placement opportunities
Field education is the life-blood of MVSU’s BSW program. Students integrate classroom learning with ground practice under qualified field instructors’ supervision.
Students develop competencies to:
- Practice personal reflection and maintain professional boundaries
- Collect and interpret client data
- Develop intervention goals and select appropriate strategies
- Use local resources in rural settings to strengthen clients
Field placements address unique rural community needs. Students learn to work with diverse populations facing major social and economic challenges.
5. Delta State University
Delta State University’s BSW program in Cleveland, Mississippi helps students become professional social workers. The program gives you the skills to understand social problems and find different ways to help people. Students learn both theory and hands-on experience to prepare for direct service roles.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Delta State University builds on a strong liberal arts foundation. Students combine classroom learning with real-world experience. This prepares them to help people who need support in their daily interactions.
You’ll need these things to do well in the program:
- A 2.25 overall cumulative GPA to graduate
- Liability insurance coverage before your senior year
- Your own way to get to field placement agencies
The BSW program needs 120 total credit hours, with 60 credits in major coursework. The main courses cover child welfare, integrated health, interviewing techniques, social welfare policy, human behavior, and research methods.
Program strengths
The BSW program stands out because it:
- Uses a generalist approach that works in many settings
- Teaches self-assessment and community service
- Values social justice and respect for diversity
- Uses person-in-environment theory as its foundation
The program works well, as shown by its assessment data. Graduating seniors score higher than expected in all nine CSWE competencies. Recent graduates achieved competency rates from 87.16% to 93.6%.
Tuition and costs
Delta State University offers budget-friendly education for 2025-2026:
Expense Category | Cost |
Tuition & Fees (in-state) | $4,217.50 per semester |
On-Campus Room & Board | $2,000-$4,200 per semester |
Meal Plans | $2,217 for unlimited |
Students from any state pay the same tuition as Mississippi residents – there’s no extra cost for out-of-state students.
Field placement opportunities
Field instruction is the heart of Delta State’s program. Senior year students complete:
- 440 total hours of supervised field experience
- 32 hours weekly at their assigned placement (Tuesday-Friday)
- 14 academic weeks of service
Students start building basic skills through volunteer work in various courses, beginning with SWO 101. The university works with qualified agencies that provide many learning opportunities. Students work under social workers who have BSW degrees and at least two years of experience.
Students get support from both their agency Field Instructor and a faculty Field Liaison. These mentors stay in touch through site visits and regular communication.
6. University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi’s BSW program gives you the complete education through a mix of theory and hands-on experience. The program builds on ethical practice principles and prepares students for social work careers in Mississippi and beyond.
Program overview
Students start at Ole Miss’s program as pre-majors and take foundational courses before seeking full admission. The path to full BSW status requires you to:
- Complete SW 315, SW 321, and SW 330 with a “C” grade or better
- Keep a minimum 2.5 GPA in the 46-hour block of professional courses
- Show understanding and support of the Social Work Code of Ethics
The curriculum moves step by step through courses that build knowledge, values, and skills needed for generalist practice. Students develop skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Program strengths
Ole Miss provides strong opportunities to grow professionally through student organizations:
- The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO) for BSW students
- The Empowerment Committee dedicated to social justice
- The Voter Empowerment Project helps students participate in racial and social justice-oriented voter empowerment
These organizations are a great way to get real-world experience by connecting classroom learning with community work. The program’s structure also makes close mentorship with faculty possible, which guides your professional growth.
Program tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 academic year costs break down as follows:
Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
Tuition & Fees | $10,150 | $30,310 |
Room & Board | $13,004 | $13,004 |
Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Total | $31,154 | $51,314 |
Field placement opportunities
Your field education ends with SW 495 (Social Work Internship) and SW 496 (Internship Seminar) in your final semester. This capstone experience needs:
- 480 total hours (40 hours weekly for 13 weeks)
- Placement in approved settings throughout Mississippi or Shelby County, Tennessee
- All degree requirements must be finished before internship
Field settings include child protective services, healthcare, mental health facilities, and gerontology centers. The Field Education Director matches placements with your professional interests and location needs. Students cannot arrange their own placements. Oxford placements are limited, and priority goes to physically challenged students, non-traditional students with children, and local residents.
7. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program gives you everything needed to succeed as a generalist practitioner. The CSWE-accredited program maintains its accreditation through 2024.
Program overview
Students need 120 semester credit hours to complete the BSW curriculum at Alcorn. The coursework splits between pre-professional requirements in freshman/sophomore years and professional courses during junior/senior years. The program has 44 hours of general education core requirements and 76 semester hours that cover eight key content areas. Students must complete a 400-hour internship under licensed social worker supervision. Note that the program doesn’t give credit for life or previous work experience.
Program strengths
Alcorn State’s BSW program stands out through its dedication to:
- Training culturally competent practitioners who serve communities of all backgrounds regionally and internationally
- Building professional identity based on social work values and ethics
- Mastering nine core competencies including ethical behavior, diversity participation, and justice advancement
The department cooperates with Mississippi Department of Human Services to recruit students for jobs, so creating clear paths to professional positions after graduation.
Program tuition and costs
Alcorn State’s tuition and fees total $8,785 for both in-state and out-of-state students in 2025-2026. Additional costs include:
Expense Category | Cost |
Books & Supplies | $1,672 |
Room & Board | $12,204 |
Personal Expenses | $1,582 |
Total | $24,243 |
Field placement opportunities
Social work majors complete a 400-hour field practicum in private or community agencies. Field supervisors help students work in several specializations:
- Aging and health services
- Mental health and substance abuse
- School social work
- Child welfare and family services
- Community development
These hands-on experiences build core competencies while students apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings.
8. Belhaven University
Belhaven University’s Bachelor of Social Work program blends Christian viewpoints with professional social work education through its CSWE-accredited curriculum. Students learn to serve people of all backgrounds with compassion and skill.
Program overview
The BSW program at Belhaven is 59 credit hours, which includes 42 hours of major coursework and 14 hours of field experience. Students build a complete professional foundation through social work courses combined with psychology and sociology fundamentals. The program requires students to apply for admission after they complete SWK 200 (Introduction to Social Work).
Program strengths
Students benefit from several key program features:
- CSWE accreditation ensures recognition by national accrediting bodies and licensure boards
- Graduate schools often grant advanced standing, which speeds up master’s degree completion
- The program weaves Christian faith into professional social work values
- Students become ready for entry-level generalist practice and leadership positions
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 academic year tuition and fees are $31,740.
Students typically pay $20,213 after financial aid, with need-based scholarships averaging $7,710.
Field placement opportunities
The field education component requires 400 hours of supervised experience through SWK 470/471 or SWK 480. Students work in domestic violence shelters, children’s homes, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. These hands-on experiences help students apply classroom knowledge while developing professional skills under qualified supervision.
Online BSW options
No universities in Mississippi offer fully online BSW programs. The state’s eight CSWE-accredited programs need students to attend on-campus classes for core social work courses and field education. Students looking for distance learning options in Mississippi have limited choices.
Mississippi State University’s distance learning courses provide some flexibility, though not a complete online program. These courses are a great way to get back on track for students who:
- Need to catch up with their regular coursework
- Want a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree
- Plan to take some social work courses online
MSU’s distance learning catalog includes Social Welfare Policy, Populations at Risk, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Research Methods, and specialty electives like Substance Abuse Services and Child Welfare Services. Social work majors should take most of their classes in traditional classroom settings.
Students exploring out-of-state online BSW programs should watch out for:
- Mississippi-specific financial aid eligibility
- Field placement coordination within Mississippi
- State licensure requirement compliance
Make sure your chosen online program has CSWE accreditation. This will give you recognition from licensing boards in different states.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Mississippi
Social work careers in Mississippi offer great opportunities for BSW graduates. The state expects a 7% job growth through 2030, which matches national trends. This growth means about 67,300 new jobs will open up each year across the country.
Mississippi’s wages might be lower than the national average, but they’re still competitive within the state. BSW graduates can earn different salaries based on their specialty:
- Child, family, and school social workers: $20.01/hour median
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $21.89/hour median
- Healthcare social workers: $25.54/hour median
Entry-level positions typically pay between $55,900 (25th percentile) and $86,700 (75th percentile), with average yearly earnings of $72,229.
The job market looks strong in child welfare, healthcare, and mental health services. This comes from ongoing social challenges like poverty and healthcare gaps across Mississippi. Rural communities need social workers the most, and BSW graduates can really make a difference there.
Getting your license will boost your job prospects and earning potential. BSW graduates can become Licensed Social Workers, which opens doors to jobs in public agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations.
Mississippi Social Work Licensure Pathway
Your next significant step after getting your degree from one of Mississippi’s BSW programs is to get proper licensure. The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists (MBOE), a 26-year old organization, oversees social work practice across the state.
BSW graduates can qualify for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential, which is the first of three licensure levels in Mississippi. This entry-level license allows you to work in generalist social work practice. Here’s what you need to get your LSW:
- Submit your application through the new online applicant portal
- Pay $27 for application and $75 for your first licensure fee
- Complete a $50 background check with fingerprinting
- Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s level examination
Students who move on to MSW programs can aim for higher credentials:
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) – needs master’s degree and passing ASWB Masters exam
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – needs 24 months of supervised experience with 1,000 client contact hours and 100 supervision hours after LMSW licensure
All licenses expire after two years. You’ll need 40 continuing education hours to renew, which includes specific training in ethics and cultural diversity.
Conclusion
Mississippi’s eight CSWE-accredited BSW programs create rewarding paths to a social work career. Each program brings its own strengths to the table. Students get a perfect mix of academic excellence and hands-on experience that shapes them into well-rounded practitioners ready to help diverse communities across the state.
Getting your BSW degree in Mississippi comes with a major advantage – affordability. Public universities like Mississippi Valley State University and Alcorn State University charge tuition rates that are substantially below national averages. Many programs also provide great financial aid packages that make social work education more available to students.
Field education is the life-blood of BSW education in Mississippi’s programs. Students gain 400-480 hours of real-life experience before they graduate through supervised roles in hospitals, child welfare agencies, mental health centers, and community organizations. These placements help students put their classroom knowledge to work while they develop vital professional skills under expert guidance.
BSW graduates face bright job prospects throughout Mississippi. The state’s employment growth matches national trends with a projected 7% increase through 2030, so there are plenty of opportunities in child welfare, healthcare, and mental health services. Rural communities need qualified social workers badly, which creates meaningful career paths where professionals can make a real difference.
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential becomes your next vital step after graduation. This entry-level professional license needs a CSWE-accredited degree and a passing score on the ASWB Bachelor’s examination. Your LSW opens doors to various positions and builds your foundation to get advanced licenses later.
Mississippi’s BSW programs prepare students for both immediate jobs and future growth. Many graduates move on to master’s degrees, and programs like USM offer advanced standing options to qualified BSW holders. Your bachelor’s degree serves as both a professional qualification and a stepping stone to advanced practice.
Picking the right BSW program needs careful thought about location, cost, field placements, and program strengths. Each school mentioned in this piece offers unique benefits while meeting core educational standards for professional practice. Your choice depends on what matches your situation, career plans, and learning priorities best.
Social work education in Mississippi gives students the tools to tackle critical social issues and change lives meaningfully. These programs turn passionate learners into capable professionals through detailed classroom teaching and intensive field work. Graduates uphold social work’s core values of service, social justice, dignity, relationships, integrity, and competence.